Climbing Shoe Review: La Sportiva’s Mythos
July 28, 2008
Like I said on A Note to Newbie Rock Climbers, good footwork is essential to any climber’s arsenal. You stand on your feet all day, so it makes sense that your feet will hold you up on the wall as well. That said, it’s very important to have a shoe that will stick to the wall-even when there aren’t any footholds.
Smearing is pressing the sole of your shoe against a flat, featureless part of the wall, relying on the friction from your shoe’s rubber and the wall to hold you up. It’s a very important technique for climbers to learn, and unlike most of the other tactics known to climbers, a large part of smearing depends on what gear you have.
That said, I’ve got to give some love to the Mythos. After a season of scrambling feet, it’s great to have a climbing shoe that is great for smearing. La Sportiva’s Mythos shoe is a sticky-soled, comfortable climbing shoe that’s useful on any surface.
The Mythos scores on two huge areas-grip and fit:
Grip
The Vibram XS grip is outstanding, as well-it’s like I’m a completely different climber. Footholds that were inconceivable are now child’s play, and I’m finding myself able to smear on most surfaces.
Fit
The upper consists of a stretchable leather that molds to your feet instead of squeezing it into the shoes’ shape, and the flat-toes fit makes it an extremely comfortable shoe. As if that weren’t enough, the laces wrap around the heel to minimize shoe slippage while you’re on the wall, making it ideal to wear on the wall or while you’re waiting for your next climb.
It’s a great all-around option for those of us who can’t afford shoes for every type of climb-comfortable enough not to scare off a beginner, but sticky enough to please the veteran.
VIsit La Sportiva for more info, or take my word for it and pick them up here.
Merrell Chameleon II Stretch Cross-Trainers Boot Review
May 22, 2008
Merrell Chameleon II Stretch Cross-Trainers
Buy Now at REI: $69.99
My previous experience with hiking boots left me with the acceptance that I would always have to sacrifice a measure of comfort for the protection and sturdiness that come with a serious hiking boot. I figured that it would take a series of boots for different situations for me to be ready for anything. Merrell’s Chameleon II Stretch Cross-Trainers have completely reversed my thinking.
This boot is impressive from the second you put it on: the elastic lacing system and neoprene/lycra cuff give the boot a second skin feel to it—it’s as comfortable as a pair of socks. The cuff fits snugly around the ankle, preventing trail debris from ruining your hike. The Chameleon is aptly named as it adapts its function to whatever environment you walk through. It’s warm thanks to its Gore-Tex lining, but it keeps your feet cool thanks to its breathable mesh upper. The lightweight mesh upper doesn’t come at the cost of stability though, because the top is supported by a series of nubuck leather fingers with shoelace gussets holding the elastic lacing system. The leather fingers are reinforced with a series of bumpers inserted into them, which combine with the hefty outsole to provide a solid, secure feel.
Hiking to the peak of Mount Lassen, these boots handled loose gravel, packed dirt, and glacial ice with equal aplomb. Despite the wide difference in temperature from the bottom to the peak, the Chameleons never felt too hot or too cold. They provided plenty of support, and after the two-hour-plus hike, my feet were ready for more.
On another all-day hike, the Chameleons handled the varying terrain just as well, with the added bonus of being very useful on some minor climbing. The grippy rubber outsoles were more than capable of scrambling up a few boulders.
They are in the higher price range (about $100), but the Merrell Chameleon II Stretch Cross-Trainers are well worth the investment. These boots will work well in just about any terrain or weather and have put up with all of the abuse that I have dished out so far. The Chameleon is perfect for the outdoor enthusiast who wants a boot for every occasion.
Salomon Speedcross 2 Trail-Running Shoes
July 14, 2007
I just purchased a pair of Salomon Speedcross 2 Trail-Running Shoes. I spent about 4 hours on a dirt trail today with them, and I must say, I am impressed. At first the removable insoles were scaring me, it felt a bit off. But they are the ultimate in comfort! Everything from the simple drawstring lace to the aggressive nobs. If you are into lightweight (these babies are 20oz for the pair), and looking for a light trail running or even hiking shoe (or light boot), TRY THESE ON!
Rating: 
Hiking Shoe - GoLite Spike Trail
July 13, 2007
This shoe from GoLite is the reason for my recent trip to REI. I wanted to try it on, run, and climb on anything I could, to give it a thorough shake down, before I purchased ($115.00, REI). I was so disappointed…I tried on an 11,12 & 13, neither could I get to fit just right. Even with manipulating the fit with the included custom inserts (to adjust the insoles and fitting). It seemed like there was more room then necessary in the toe area. Another issue, which comes from the reason I originally got excited over this pair. The “Interlocking Trail Claws” seemed to be pushed up through my foot when I climbed on uneven ground. I can easily see this as being an issue on rocking ground. SO what did I get? After trying on 4 different pairs, each in 3 different sizes. I did buy a hiking shoe that I am very happy with!
Cascade Gear Rating:
cascadegearSearch CascadeGear
-
RSS
